Beyond the town centre, Colchester lies on the border of Constable Country, an area of natural beauty that inspired the English landscape painter John Constable, and includes the areas depicted in some of his most famous paintings including the Haywain.
Colchester's history and culture often intertwine. You can visit a Roman Theatre, or look at historic art in the Castle. Further afield you can find Medieveal wall paintings in Copford Church.
Colchester's Cultural Highlights
Colchester's contemporary art gallery hosts exhibitions, film screenings, talks, activities and much more.
A highly respected regional theatre, presenting a broad mix of classic plays and new writing. The Mercury will re-open with an exciting new season in September 2020, following a large scale redevelopment project.
From live music and comedy to live art and children's shows, there's always something happening at Colchester Arts Centre
Live music, stand-up comedy, dancing, and more. There's something for everyone after dark in Colchester.
Theatres and Shows
There's no shortage of Theatres in Colchester, with the Mercury Theatre and smaller Headgate Theatre serving the town centre, and the Lakeside Theatre based on the University of Essex campus just outside town.
The Mercury Theatre is the town's largest, and main producing Theatre, whilst the Headgate is the home of amateur theatre in Colchester. The Lakeside stages smaller productions as well as shows by students at the University.
Aside from the traditional theatres, Colchester Arts Centre often programmes plays and more challenging productions, whilst in the summer months you can find pop-up productions in a variety of gardens, churches and unused spaces around town.
Theatres in Colchester
Shows coming up
Galleries & Exhibitions
Just over the road you can find The Minories Gallery, run by the Colchester School of Art which has a dynamic exhibition programme, often including locally based artists. Their tearoom is run by Wilkin and Sons, makers of Tiptree Jam, and their shop is a treasure trove of locally crafted items and art.
As well as art exhibitions, you can find a wealth of talks, activities, and performances taking place around town.
Exhibitions Coming Up and Now On
Antony Gormley: Field for the British Isles
Fri 15 Nov 2019 - Sun 8 Mar 2020
Experience this vast and iconic artwork at Firstsite
CAROLINA CAYCEDO: WHEN WALLS BECOME RIVERS
Fri 14 Feb - Sat 21 Mar 2020
An exhibition by Colombian artist at The University Of Essex
Antony Gormley 'Field for the British Isles' Tours
Wed 26 Feb 2020
Free tours of Antony Gormley's iconic artwork 'Field for the British Isles' – giving you a unique insight into how the exhibition came together.
Antony Gormley 'Field for the British Isles' Tours
Wed 4 Mar 2020
Free tours of Antony Gormley's iconic artwork 'Field for the British Isles' – giving you a unique insight into how the exhibition came together.
Antony Gormley 'Field for the British Isles' Tours
Thu 5 Mar 2020
Free tours of Antony Gormley's iconic artwork 'Field for the British Isles' – giving you a unique insight into how the exhibition came together.
Tell me the story of all these things
Sat 28 Mar - Sun 28 Jun 2020
Exhbition featuring artworks made by some of Britain’s best-known artists - selected by radical women of Colchester.
An Explosion in Colour by Steve Downey
Sat 28 Mar - Sat 18 Apr 2020
Solo Art Exhibition at The Minories Galleries
Historic Art and Culture in Colchester
Discover the landscapes that inspired some of the most recognisable art ever produced in Britain. John Constable was born and grew up close to Dedham on the Essex/Suffolk border.
Colchester Castle's collection of objects from Roman Britain is rivalled only by the British Museum. Also in town explore the ruins of a Roman Theatre and be sure to visit Britain's only known Roman Circus.
Take a trip out to St Michael and All Angels Church in Copford where you can see some of the best preserved Norman wall-paintings in Britain.
Pallot & Collins Concrete Murals
Discover a series of concrete murals around Colchester Town Centre depicting its history and famous characters from it's past.
Browse our culture listings for Colchester
More things to do in Colchester
